Enlarged lymph nodes post mastectomy

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hello

I had mastectomy and silicone implant in May this year. Previous wide local excision in March with sentinel node biopsy showed wider spread within the breast but no lymph node involvement. No radiotherapy or chemotherapy required.
I then had severe side effects of Anastrozole and severe diarrhoea with rapid weight loss. My GP requested CT scan, bloods and colonoscopy.
The CT scan has shown enlarged lymph nodes in and around the implant which seems strange.I am waiting for the Breast Unit radiologist to look at the scans and let me know what needs to happen now.
I am of course very worried, upset and stressed about the waiting for more information.
Is this normal after mastectomy to have enlarged lymph nodes? I can’t see or feel anything myself.
Thank you

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Hi hjp64,

Thanks for posting on our forum

We hope to be able to respond to you on soon.

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With best wishes.

Lisa

Ask Our Nurses service co-ordinator

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3

Hi hjp64

Thank you for posting.

It’s understandable that you are very worried and stressed while you wait for more information about the findings on your CT scan.

Enlarged lymph nodes can happen for many reasons, for example infection or inflammation, so we would be unable to say what the cause is in your case. Waiting for feedback from the breast radiologist can be difficult and sometimes it can help to discuss your worries with your breast care team. They can discuss ways to support you.

We wonder if it would help to call our helpline to talk this through while you wait.

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Best wishes

Eve

Breast Care Nurse

Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy

As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.